Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

"Ochaco, is your arm okay?" Asui's voice was full of concern for her friend. She received a cut on her shoulder, seemingly coming out of nowhere. Uraraka was glad she cared for her, though she didn't want Tsu to worry.

"Yeah I'm fine, it's just a scratch." Uraraka reassured, her gaze fixed on the newcomer, holding a bloody blade. Uraraka's blood. It was difficult to see with her mask, but the girl seemed content.

"Shallow, not much blood..." The blonde whispered, not loud enough to be heard by the two friends. She was staring at her weapon.

"What kind of person slashes people out of nowhere? Who are you?" The croaky reproach was directed at the blonde. She pointed her knife to them.

"I'm Toga! Geez, you two are super cute! Uraraka-san, and Asui-san..." The question-reproach was ignored.

"How does she know who we are?" Uraraka whispered, surprised. They both kept their defensive stance, while being in utter confusion. "Maybe from the Sports Fest'?" Asui replied, unsure. "In any case, she knows who we are, so that means we're at a disadvantage..."

"That's not enough blood... Normally, I'd suck it directly from the cut to get more. But this machine will start sucking if I just stick it in. So my work will progress really quickly. I'm sticking it in~"

Suddenly, the newcomer charged at them. "She's coming!" Uraraka shouted. Asui reacted immediately; she wrapped her tongue around her best friend, to send her away. "Ochaco! You have to get back to camp!" Her voice was panicky, sensing the danger. "We got permission to use quirks to protect ourselves, not to counterattack! That's the type of person Mr.Aizawa is!"

"Tsu you too!" Uraraka screamed after her, being launched into the sky. "Of course, I will also-"

Her tongue suddenly got cut by the same knife, and started bleeding. The frog-like girl hopped away from her opponent.

"Tsu... Tsu... Tsu!" Toga removed her mask, a bright smile on her face. A smile way too big. Kero?

"What a cute nickname! I'm going to call you that, too!" She told her gleefully.

"Don't. The only people allowed to call me that are my friends!" Asui was wary, cautious, but certainly angered. Suddenly, one of her blood-suckers flew to her, pining her hair to the tree, and she had no way out.

"YAY! Then I'm your friend too! All right!" She screamed, way too happy, not comprehending what was wrong with her words. They were friends!

"Tsuyu-chan!" Uraraka shouted, running after her friend, panic in her voice.

"You're bleeding, my friend Tsu! You can be more adorable! I just love blood~ We're gonna be, such good friends~" She chanted, up close to her face, studying the blood on the corner of Asui's mouth, blush dusting her cheeks and her cat-like gaze admiring the red liquid.

"Get away from her!" Uraraka ran to Toga, and as she pointed the knife to cut her running, Uraraka dodged it, grabbed her wrist and the base of the neck, pulled her, and shoved her onto the ground. *FWHIP!* The attacker's head landed confused face first onto the dirt. Gunhead martial arts!

"That was amazing, Ochaco!" Tsu complimented her, awestruck. "Tsu, can you restrain her hands with your tongue? Does it hurt?" She asked, trying to figure out a plan, while caring for her wellbeing. They didn't have much time. "Just give me a second for my tongue."

"Ochaco~ You're wonderful too~" Uraraka's attention returned back to her, as a confused gasp escaped her lips, as well as heat rose to her cheeks. She wasn't expecting a compliment out of nowhere, especially from a villain! "You've got the same smell as me..." Uraraka was beyond confused at this point. What did she mean? Was she trying to distract her? She swallowed, listening, and not releasing her grasp.

"There's someone you like, right?" Midoriya's image traversed her head, and she gulped. "And you feel like you want to be like that person, right? It's only natural, right?" How does she know that?! She really did admire Deku. He was selfless, hard-working, and his desire to save... She wanted to be just like him. Or be with him? Her emotions were very messy. "I'll win! I'll win and be like Deku!" Her fight against Bakugo resurged in her memories, as Toga spoke once again. "I can tell. Two lovesick girls! You end up wearing the same things and stuff... But eventually, not even that's enough..." What is she saying? "You end up wanting to become that person, right? It can't be helped, right?" Was she insane?! "What kind of person do you like? I love people who are beat up and smell like blood! That's why in the end, I always cut them up! " Definitely insane. What is with her?! Uraraka's despair was slowly taking place, burying a burden in her stomach. She was worried about her friend; and this- villain! Was claiming that she knew what she felt?! She didn't even know herself! Her mouth was dry and wobbly, her eyes widened. No, no, no! "You're having fun, Ochaco, right? Just two girls, hanging out, talking about our crushes!" Suddenly, her blood-sucking machine stuck onto her leg, and she let out a whimper.

"Suck, suck, suck~" The blonde chanted once again, as Uraraka trembled. Maintening her grip was becoming harder and harder, with all the emotions, with a pretty girl pinned just under her- Taking her blood. She shook her head, trying to regain concentration.

"Uraraka!" Her friend's voice was heard, and it wasn't Asui. But she did speak just after. "Quickly guys, help her!" Toga sensed the danger, and got out from under Uraraka, making her fall into the bushes as she hopped away. Was she able to do that all along, and chose not to, to distract her? Or was the distraction necessary for her to get away?

"There are more people now, and I don't want to be killed. So bye-bye." Toga's eyes met Midoriya's, and the beat up face made her blush, blush so much it made Ochaco sick. Toga ran away, deeper in the forest. Uraraka stood up, as she met up with Asui once again.

"Who was that girl just now?" Todoroki asked. "One of the villains. She was crazy!" Yeah, crazy. Uraraka could never forget those cat like eyes, piercing through hers as she described her feelings perfectly. It just felt so, so weird.

*

Uraraka awoke from a nightmare. It wasn't the first time since training camp, but that encounter with the villain; Toga was it? still left a pretty vivid memory. Her cut had healed nicely, being treated soon after. She didn't want to dwell on Bakugo's fate; but she still felt guilty. Would he have been saved, if she released Zero-Gravity earlier? If Tsu and her noticed Tokoyami's and Bakugo's disappearance earlier? But it wasn't that memory that made her curl up in a bed in the dark. It was the villain's face; her pretty and insane cat-eyes, her bangs and messy buns. How did she know everything about her? Were they really the same?

No. Uraraka would never hurt someone; much less TO hurt them. If that happened, it would be during saving, protecting. And still, her voice haunted her, from morning to evening. She couldn't figure out why. Was it because of her words? Was it because of Deku? Or was it something else?

Uraraka never saw Midoriya the same since then. Sure, they were still very good friends, best friends, even! But there wasn't the stuttering, the blush, the way she floated away. She wanted to be just like him. But did she like him? And she realized she didn't. She admired him! Liked him, yes! But as a friend... Nothing more? This realization shook her. She always believed she had a crush on him... Did she? But even though all these things happened, she didn't feel any flutter, any butterflies, any desire to hold his hand. He was a good friend, that was all.

So why when Uraraka thought of her crush, only cat-like eyes appeared in her mind?

**

Uraraka was pretty distracted in class. Her friends, being observant, noticed immediately. They were always telling her to talk to them about what was on her mind, and she just replied "I'm fine! Just a bit tired, that's all!" A half truth. She was tired, yes, she was fine, yes. But there was something behind the words, she just couldn't place her finger on it.

She sighed dreamily, while absentedly taking notes. Blonde messy buns came to her mind, she got lost in that smile, even though in those moments, she couldn't place the face to the person. She was too distracted by her looks to even- "Uraraka! If you're not paying attention in class, then you have no business at UA." Mr.Aizawa's voice shook her off from her thoughts. She apologized quickly, muttering excuses, shrinking on herself. She felt embarrassed by the situation; being called out in front of her classmates! Was she really that distracted? She returned to the task at hand; listening, though she was still absent-minded.

Her friends shot her worried looks at lunch, and she wasn't noticing. She was playing with her food; unusual behavior for her, since she always considered it precious, growing up in poverty. But she was just staring, staring... "Ochaco?" Asui's voice shook her from her thoughts, probably for the third time this lunch. "What's bothering you?" She shook her head, shooting her a smile. "N-Nothing at all! Nothing to worry about!" Heat rushed to her cheeks. Tsu placed a finger on the corner of her mouth, studying her. She could clearly tell something was wrong. "Uraraka, we care for your well-being! If you are not in your optimal state of mind, then it would cause troubles for your studies!" Iida's chopping hand motion made her chuckle a little. Though he spoke about homework, she knew that he truly cared about her, not that. And she was glad. Todoroki was silent at his table, eating cold soba quietly, eyeing Midoriya, curious to what he would say. Deku was just mumbling to himself, before shooting her a bright smile. "We could do a sleepover! I haven't done any in forever but... That way, you could talk to us about what's going on calmly! What do you say, Uraraka?" The concerned smiled back, her cheeks flushed from the attention. She was glad to have such good friends, really. "I'm okay! But I appreciate the offer! I'll take you up on that! Dekusquad sleepover?" She eyed the table, hopeful. She didn't say it, but she really wished that the time spent with her friends would send the image of those yellow eyes away from her mind. "As long as we're all caught up in homework and back in our rooms before curfew, I don't mind!" Iida interjected. Deku was just confused, his face clearly saying why is the group named after me? while Todoroki nodded quietly. Asui croaked an affirmative "kero!" and Uraraka felt happiness bubble in her chest. They could all be together, and maybe it would be less scary in her room.

***

After classes ended, thankfully with no other incident, they headed over to the dorms, chatting quietly. It wasn't much of a sleepover if they all came to Uraraka just now, right? Still, they followed her to her room, and she turned around, moving her hands back and forth in front of her face. "You don't need to accompany me to my room, I'm fine, really!" The Dekusquad all exchanged looks, and finally nodded, heading over to theirs, after deciding Uraraka was perfectly capable of taking care of herself, even if she was a bit distracted. Asui stopped in her tracks, and turned around to look at her best friend, her signature look being present. Uraraka dropped the happy face, and looked away. She couldn't hide anything from her, so why bother? A silent invitation hanging in the air, Tsu entered Uraraka's room as she closed the door behind them.

"What's the bother, Ochaco-chan?" The frog-like girl asked, tilting her head. This sight would usually provoke a lighthearted chuckle from the gravity hero, but she knew it wasn't the time. "I'm just thinking about training camp, and that crazy girl..." Toga. The name sent flutters down her stomach, and she gulped. Asui interpreted it otherwise. "Are you still scared of her? I admit I am too. The way she attacked us... She was so creepy, kero!" Uraraka sighed, content. Of course that was why she thought of her. She was still traumatized from all the events, nothing else. "Yeah. I haven't been able to think of anything else. She could have killed us!" Asui nodded, as she moved over to her best friend, opening her arms. Uraraka hugged her immediately, melting into it, as she felt tears rise to her eyes. That was new. Asui closed the hug, and they stayed in silence, Uraraka sobbing on Asui's shoulder. She herself wasn't crying, but the brunette could feel her shaking. It felt good to share this moment; no one else would understand what they went through at this time. They were together in this. Slowly, but surely, the hug ended, and they looked into each other's eyes. Asui dried the brown eyed girl's tears, and they exchanged a soft smile. "Thank you, Tsuyu." Uraraka was grateful. Asui nodded, and headed to the door, throwing one last look. "We'll see each other at dinner, then the sleepover, kero?" Uraraka smiled, agreeing. "Yeah, see you then." As her best friend closed the door, she let out a relieved sigh. She was really lucky to have her.

Uraraka let out a sigh of relief, looking up at the ceiling. She had no one in the room next to hers, and she had to admit it scared her a little. If there was any trouble, no one would hear her cry for help, or maybe Jirou, but she would be too late if that was the case. She should really speak to the Dekusquad about her troubles. She nodded, alone in her dull room; as she looked around. Why worry? The dorms were the safest place of all. Made for them to be protected. There was nothing to worry about! The hero in training laid down on her bed, and closed her eyes.

Finally came dinner. She arrived at the common area, heading to the dining hall. There, she met her friends, and shot them a smile. "So, where should we meet up?" She inquired. She wasn't sure she wanted it to be in her room- she felt self conscious about it. There was space, at least, but nothing much to do at a sleepover. The most logical option was Iida. "Iida, do you mind if we do it over at yours?" She mumbled, not wanting to admit the reason. Fortunately, none of her friends asked any questions, and they all nodded. "This is a good idea, Uraraka." Iida smiled, and she looked away. Yeah. She was just self-conscious about her own room; she didn't want to feel watched by All Might in Midoriya's, Todoroki's didn't have much to do either, and she guessed Asui was self-conscious as well, considering she didn't show the rest of the class the design. After they all ate peacefully, they headed back together to the class president's dorm, and all settled where they felt most comfortable. Uraraka felt peaceful, surrounded by her friends.

Finally, her best friend spoke up. "Maybe we should set up a code system, kero." They all turned to look at her, confused. "What do you mean Asu- I mean, Tsu?" Midoriya caught himself, which earned him a look from the frog-like girl. "For villain attacks. Sending the location is an obvious, but..." Midoriya, Todoroki and Iida all looked at each other, the Stain incident clear in their mind. "If we are in a situation where we're being watched, we could have a special word, kero." She croaked. Midoriya clapped his hands, going full-on mumbling mode, as his eyes sparkled. "This is a great idea, Asui-san! Oh, maybe a word related to danger... No, that would be too dangerous... It would have to be a common word, but not common enough to be used in everyday communication..." Uraraka cut him, giggling. "What about cheesecake?" They all looked at each other, and nodded. The word wasn't suspicious, and they didn't use it normally. That was perfect. "Then it's settled! Now, to homework!" Iida chimed in, and they all let out a groan.

The Dekusquad- minus Iida- all looked at Uraraka, and she felt watched all of a sudden. "We did come here to help Uraraka. Would you tell us what's the problem?" She was surprised Todoroki was speaking, but he was slowly coming out of his shell since the Sports Festival. He was warming up to them, and considered them his friends, friends to care about. He didn't wear any smile, but the girl knew he was hoping to be reassuring. She looked at her best friend, and sighed. "I just haven't been able to forget training camp. When we got attacked. That girl was really, really weird." She shot a look at Asui, shrinking on herself. She hadn't told her that. "More so than you could imagine. She was talking to me... Saying we were the same. It was scary- because she described my feelings perfectly!" She groaned, and laid down on the floor, clasping her hands to her face. "She knew exactly who I was, what I felt like, complimenting me! And she was..." Really pretty. The words stayed unspoken, floating in her mind, as her eyes widened. Thankfully, she hadn't much time to think about it. Iida interrupted her train of thoughts, chopping his hands. "You do not have to worry about it anymore, Uraraka! The dorms are perfectly safe, and you won't see her again!" She smiled, the thought comforting her. That fact, plus the codeword, made her feel secure. Finally, the group settled in a sleepover mood, playing card games, and learning more about themselves. It really was a great idea.

****

Finally, Uraraka headed back to her room slowly. Mechanically, she opened the door and closed it behind her, scrubbing her sleepiness off her eyes. Then, she stopped right on her tracks, frozen. There was a girl; laying on her bed, in her clothes, acting as if she had all the rights to be here. What. The. Hell. Uraraka quickly turned around to open her door once again, but she was way faster. A knife flew right next to her, getting stuck on the door with a thud noise. Okay. Do not panic. Her heart and thoughts were racing, as she was paralyzed, not moving. "Ochaco-chan~" She recognized this voice. But she couldn't answer. What should she say? She couldn't take the knife to protect herself, as she knew one wrong move would get her killed. She couldn't flee out of her room, as the villain was way faster. She couldn't take her phone to send a message to her friends. She couldn't use her martial arts to defend herself; Toga was just taken by surprise last time, as she had freed herself really quickly. What to do?! She could hear the steps of the girl coming right behind her, as she was frozen at the door. "You know, you're really lovely, but if you alert anyone, I won't hesitate to kill you~" Uraraka gulped and nodded slowly, not daring to move yet. She couldn't make the enemy float, as she would still have access to her weapons. She was stuck in this hellish situation, and had seemingly no way out of it. "What do you want, Toga?" She tried to take a steady voice, but she failed miserably, as she was trembling and panicking. The other didn't seem to mind, as she let out a squeal of joy. "You remembered me, eek! Chaco-chan, you're soooo adorable! I just want to cut you up!" Ah. Right. She slowly raised her hands, in a "I won't do anything" way, and turned around to look at her. Getting lost in those yellow eyes. She had her head tilted, a huge grin on her face, it made her stomach turn. Goddammit. "I would prefer if you didn't." She mumbled, looking at her. "Not right now, Chaco-chan, don't worry! I want us to have some fun first~" What did she mean by that? Toga took one of her raised hands, to guide her further into her own room. She sat on the bed excitedly, inviting the hero in training to do the same. She had no choice, so she did so, letting her fear take over. She didn't want to make one wrong move, she could get killed.

Suddenly, someone knocked at the door. "Uraraka, are you alright in there?" How to alert Jirou, without being suspicious? "Yes Kyoka, I'm alright in there! Nothing to worry about!" She tried to be calm, while using the other's first name, knowing they weren't on that basis yet. Hopefully, she would get it. She heard her hesitate at the door, then step away. She would warn Mr.Aizawa, right? She totally heard everything. She felt relief take over her, but tried to not let it show. Toga narrowed her eyes, but didn't say anything. "I want to know everything about you, Chaco-chan!" She told her excitedly, taking both of her hands and intertwining them together. Uraraka let out an empty laugh, and replied weakly. "I thought you already did?" Toga let out a lighthearted chuckle. "Of course not, silly! I know all about your feelings, but nothing about you! By the way, your smell changed..." As if wanting to confirm her suspicions, she got closer, and Uraraka gulped. "What do you mean? I haven't-" "Oh, yes! You like someone else now! Who is it?! We're best friends, Chaco-chan, you can tell me!" She was way too excited about the situation. But her, liking someone else? No way. She didn't like anyone at all. Thankfully, there was another knock at the door, Mr.Aizawa. She glared at her, her expression darkened.. "What a shame, Chaco-chan. I thought I could trust you. But..." With cat-like agility, she was already out on the balcony, escaping. "We'll see each other again soon!" Regaining her excited grin, she winked at her, and Uraraka felt heat rushing not only to her cheeks, but her whole face. Then, the villain disappeared into the night.

This whole scene happened in the matter of seconds, and Mr.Aizawa opened the door, startling her. Should she tell him? She wanted to but... That smirk was enticing. The way her cat-like eyes stared deep into hers, her joyful smile. She wanted to see her again. How well could she lie? After all, Jirou had probably heard a lot of things. Hopefully not enough. "What happened in there?" Her homeroom teacher asked. As her gaze settled onto him, she realized the knife was still on the door he opened. She hoped he wouldn't inspect everything in her room, or step in further, or she was screwed. "Nothing at all, Mr.Aizawa!" She tried to offer her most confused smile. "Jirou told me there was suspicious behavior, and that you acted as if you were in danger. Is that not true?" Uraraka pretended to not know what he was talking about, looking around her room, unsure look on her face. "No, Mr.Aizawa. I was training and... Oh! I called her by her first name! Maybe that's why..." She offered an explanation to the teacher. He could tell she was hiding something, but didn't press any further. "Alright problem child. Goodnight." He closed the door, and then he was gone.

Uraraka let out a small sigh of relief. Why was she hiding the villain? Toga had been threatening to kill her! But still, she remembered her look. Deep within, Uraraka was certain to have seen a glitter of hope, hope that she would be her friend. She was a villain but... She seemed to be in need. She stood up, and took the knife from the door, and examined it. It was small, really maniable, and really sharp. There was dried blood on it, and Uraraka thought she could recognize it... She shook her head, hiding the knife under her bed. She changed quickly, and laid down, closing her eyes. She needed saving... but that would be a problem for another day.

*****

Toga had made use of her quirk. She had taken a random UA student's blood, and used it to transform and enter the dorms without a problem, climbing the building. Then, she detransformed herself, chanting as she looked around the room she was in. Ochaco Uraraka! She was so excited at the idea of seeing her again, and the fact that she was absent upset her. Well, at least she could get pretty! She opened her closet, borrowing a few clothes, so she wouldn't be naked still, and she dressed up, chuckling to herself. Humming quietly, she began to dance around the room, hoping she would show up soon. But she got bored, and laid down on the bed, groaning. Why isn't she there yet? Mumbling to herself, her legs were moving back and forth in the air, searching any kind of distraction. Then, she heard steps in the corridor, and perked up. The door opened, Uraraka clearly not paying attention as she entered, rubbing her eyes sleepily. Eek, she's soooo cute! Toga had to stop herself from squeaking in joy, looking at the girl intently. Then, the brunette realized what was happening, and quickly turned around for the door. Too bad. Toga narrowed her eyes and threw a knife, calculating for it landed just beside Uraraka's face. She didn't want unnecessary damage, after all! She would be so much cuter, bleeding out in her arms ~

"You know, you're really lovely, but if you alert anyone, I won't hesitate to kill you~" She heard her gulp, but most importantly her name. She remembered her! She didn't care to notice the trembling, the panicking, or the plan making of the other. She was just too cute! "You remembered me, eek! Chaco-chan, you're soooo adorable! I just want to cut you up!" She sighed dreamily, but then Uraraka turned around to look at her. She grinned, tilting her head, and their eyes met. Okay. She had to admit she didn't plan for her to be this pretty, with her little sleepy face. She wasn't even bloodied up, but she was beautiful. "I would prefer if you didn't." She mumbled, looking at her. Toga pouted, but she could understand. They were friends! She would have another occasion. "Not right now, Chaco-chan, don't worry! I want us to have some fun first~" A girl's night! Just the two of them. It would be so fun, getting to know the gravity hero, maybe doing their nails together, all that fun stuff! Toga took one of her raised hands, to guide her further into her own room. She sat on the bed excitedly, inviting the hero in training to do the same. Once again, she didn't take notice of the other's fear, and moved on.

Suddenly, someone knocked at the door. "Uraraka, are you alright in there?" Why do they always have to ruin all the fun! She pouted, studying the other. Would she call for help? She was a villain yes, but they were best friends! "Yes Kyoka, I'm alright in there! Nothing to worry about!" Kyoka, Kyoka... Kyoka Jirou? Were they on first name basis? No, if she called her Uraraka. She narrowed her eyes, as Uraraka relaxed. She put the thought aside, intertwining their hands together. "I want to know everything about you, Chaco-chan!" That was the whole point of coming here! Pretty, pretty Ochaco... She was marvelous. She just wanted to caress her soft cheeks, maybe even bite them, and have a taste of her blood. Yes, she had some, but she kept it for missions, so she didn't even have the occasion to taste. "I thought you already did?" Toga let out a lighthearted chuckle, but something was different about Uraraka. "Of course not, silly! I know all about your feelings, but nothing about you! By the way, your smell changed..." She did smell different. She got closer, as the hero gulped. Then, her eyes widened as she chuckled. "What do you mean? I haven't-" "Oh, yes! You like someone else now! Who is it?! We're best friends, Chaco-chan, you can tell me!" She was speaking fast in an excited manner, their hands still together. She just wanted to know! Was it her? It would be wonderful! Two lovesick girls, together~ Unfortunately, there was another knock at the door, probably their teacher, Eraserhead. She glared at her, her expression darkened. Of course she called the heroes. "What a shame, Chaco-chan. I thought I could trust you. But..." With cat-like agility, she was already out on the balcony, escaping. "We'll see each other again soon!" Regaining her excited grin, she winked at her, then, the villain disappeared into the night.

Toga quickly ran out of campus, still wearing her clothes. She arrived at the League's base, not even saying hi to anyone, and then laid down on her own bed, putting the clothes to her nose. Ochaco-chan smelled amazing, she sure would taste amazing, too... She couldn't wait to see her again!

*

Uraraka woke up in her bed, pretty sure the events of last evening were only a dream. She scrubbed her eyes, yawning, as she stood up to get dressed. She grabbed her uniform, but she noticed some of her clothes were missing. Come on, those are precious! She groaned in her head. She shook her head, getting ready, then headed out of her dorm to meet the others for breakfast in the common area. They were nearly all here, and she greeted them, still trying to shake off the sleepiness. Uraraka grabbed a toast and ate in silence, when Jirou headed over to her. "Ah, Jirou! Good morning!" She seemed surprised to even hear her name, shooting her a confused look. "... You called me Kyoka yesterday? Are you okay, Uraraka?" It was the gravity hero's turn to be surprised. Did I? But it was only a dream...? "Ah, must have been a mistake! Sorry about that!" She apologized, confused. Huh?

They headed over to class, as Uraraka's head was filled with unsure thoughts. I did call Jirou "Kyoka" in my dream... But she said it happened...? Mr.Aizawa shot her a wary look, and she was even more confused. Was it even a dream? They had ten minutes of homeroom, so she headed over to Jirou's table, asking the question. "Hey, what happened yesterday evening? I don't remember calling you by your first name..." She told her, embarrassed. Jirou looked at her weirdly, before shrugging. "There were weird noises in your room, and two voices. I recognized one, but not the other. So I headed over to your dorm, and asked what was going on. You told me everything was alright, calling me by my first name. I found that weird and told Mr.Aizawa." Uraraka's eyes widened. It wasn't a dream. Oh. Hell. No. So Toga really was in her room, intertwining their hands together and getting close to her, so close, humming next to her ear. "A-Alright, thanks Jirou! Sorry for worrying you!" She mumbled, getting back to her seat and falling silent. The thought alone of all these events made her cheeks heat up. Why hadn't she told Mr.Aizawa? Right... The look in her eyes. She seemed in need, in need of saving. And she didn't want her to be caught... Groaning, she slammed her head against her desk. It wasn't too hard, but enough for most of her classmates to hear and turn to look at her. Honestly, at this point, she didn't care anymore. God, she was a mess. Seeing she wouldn't answer any of their questions, they all went to their seats, as class would be starting soon. Finally, she raised her head, as well as her head. "Can I go see Recovery Girl, please?" The teacher nodded, and she quickly exited class, under the stares of the Dekusquad. She felt guilty for not reporting a villain, but she was doing what she thought was best. After all, despite her words, she hadn't hurt her. It seemed like she purposely missed the knife, and agreed not to cut her "for the moment".

Uraraka finally arrived in front of the office, her hand hovering the doorknob. She didn't want to skip class, she also didn't want to be declared missing. Going to see Recovery Girl was the most logical option in her mind, but she wasn't sick. She was just scared of being sent back to class. Finally, she opened the door, mumbling a greeting to the old woman, and sat down on the chair, looking away. "What is the problem, Uraraka?" Alright. She didn't want to lie, as she was pretty obvious while doing so, and it wouldn't be honest. "I don't feel really well. I know it's not really physical, but I don't feel like going to class right now..." She shrank on her chair. Thankfully, the nurse was pretty understanding. "You can lay down on the bed. Not for long, but you have to tell me what's going on." She nodded, heading over to rest. She closed her eyes, and opened her mouth to speak. "I'm not recovering well from the training camp incident. I know no one probably is, but I just can't seem to sleep, or go to class, without thinking about it." And even be peacefully in the room. Recovery Girl hummed quietly, and suddenly Uraraka braced herself, ready for an attack. Before realizing this wasn't Toga. She felt so embarrassed. "Sorry about that." She mumbled, relaxing. Finally, she drifted off to sleep under the careful stare of the school nurse.

Finally, she woke up. She finally have a dreamless rest, and looked over at Recovery Girl who was working in the office. Then, she noticed Asui asleep at the side of her bed. Had she taken that long, and it was break? Or did she skip class... for her? She tapped her gently on the head to woke her up, and suddenly Asui pulled her into a hug. "Tsu? What's wrong?" She squeaked, not expecting it. "Recovery Girl told me what was happening! Kero. I knew that after yesterday evening, you wouldn't be fine immediately but... Is it that bad?!" She croaked as she pulled away, drying her tears from the corner of her eyes. Uraraka felt bad her best friend had to pull through the motions for her, for something she herself lived. Then, she looked over at the nurse. "Thank you for letting me rest, Recovery Girl. I will be off to class now." She slid off the bed, and bowed to her, before taking Asui's hand and heading out. She pulled her a bit away, in a corridor where there wasn't anybody. Her best friend looked at her with big and confused eyes, and she responded with pleading ones. "Tsu, you can't tell anyone else what I'm going to tell you, okay? Promise me." Asui took her hand with hers, and held it carefully, looking her in the eyes. "I promise, kero."

Uraraka took a deep breath, telling her something that she hadn't even dared to think until then.

"I have a crush on Toga."

**

TW: small panic attack

Uraraka clasped her hands over her mouth, taking a few steps back. That wasn't what she meant to say. She didn't- She wasn't- Asui was looking at her with wide eyes, and Uraraka's breathing sped up, her whole body trembling. "I don't- I-" She shut her eyes, as tears began to rise up. "Focus on my breathing, Ochaco." She slowly nodded, trying to match Asui's slow and steady breathing. Finally, she was back to a normal rhythm. She was glad Asui was there to help her through it. But there was still questions unanswered hanging in the air.

TW: end

"I won't push if you don't want to talk about it but... how did that happen?" Asui's soft voice reached her ears, and she felt her cheeks burning up.

"I don't- I don't know what- I don't know why I said that..." She mumbled. She really didn't know. She couldn't have a crush on someone she barely knew; a criminal at that.

"I just wanted to talk about... yesterday evening..." Uraraka muttered. She had to warn someone, after all. That's what she wanted to say. That was all. "Toga came in my room..." Asui took her hands in hers once again, trying to soothe her with repetitive thumb motion. Her big hands were soft. "Why didn't you warn Mr.Aizawa?" She asked gently. Asui trusted her best friend, she knew there was probably a reason. Besides the "mishap" from earlier. "I don't know- She didn't hurt me... She just wanted to get to know me, I guess...? It was a really weird experience." Uraraka tried to keep her voice low, not wanting anyone else to know about what happened. "Sure, she was creepy but... She didn't seem to want any harm." Asui looked at her, a confused expression on her face. When they met her, all she did was try to hurt them. It was weird to hear about her not trying to.

Uraraka really didn't feel like going back to class, after what just happened. What she had said... She shot a questioning look at Asui, and she nodded back. Instead of going to class, they settled outside. She was sure their teachers would be understanding; they did just suffer a villain attack, and one of their classmates got kidnapped! Uraraka tried to relax on the bench, but Asui was looking at her questioningly, rightfully so. She felt the need to speak up.

"I don't have a crush on Toga. I don't know why I said that. My head is just messed up right now." She groaned, burying her face in her hands.

"You know, it's alright if you do, kero." Uraraka shot her head right back up, the answer surprising her. "She is pretty attractive." Asui teased her, and all Uraraka could think of was her yellow eyes, her little fangs as she grinned excitedly, all because she saw her. Butterflies appeared in her stomach, and she realized she really did have a crush.

"... Okay, I think I do. But she's a villain! Why am I even feeling these things!" Asui pulled her into a hug again, hoping to be reassuring. "You did say she didn't hurt you, and wanted to get to know you. Maybe there's something more behind all that, kero." Uraraka looked at her best friend, returning the hug. "You're right. She looked like she needed saving, somehow..." Her voice trailed off into thought. She did seem pretty happy being a villain, so what was wrong? How did she even get into her room?

"Wait. Do we know her quirk?" She asked, her voice trembling a bit. Asui shook her head, signifying a negative answer. "Damn. How did she get into UA dorms?" She began mumbling her ideas, a habit she probably got from Midoriya. "It must be related to blood in some way, right? Or maybe the portal guy from USJ teleported her in my room... That would mean they have business with me? Am I going to get kidnapped?" Her train of thoughts was gradually becoming panicked, and Asui had to reassure her, once again. "If she didn't do so during this meeting, then no. You would warn the teachers and there would be no other chance." What would she do without her, honestly?

So Toga did come for her, which was a really weird thing all on its own. She called her "her best friend", and seemed so happy at the idea of being with her. She was really touchy, too. Was Toga even her name? It could just be her villain alias. And if it was, then she didn't even know her full name. She really was thinking about someone she barely knew. But how to get to know her? The dorms were not a safe place for her to be. She could give her her phone number, somehow... She did say she would be back. She devised a plan in her head, and nodded to Asui. "Let's get back."

And so, they headed back to class, giving the permission slip from Recovery Girl to their teacher, and the day passed by peacefully, the plan floating around her thoughts.

***

Of course, lunch and dinner had been filled with questions, but she was getting better at lying, though the twinge of guilt remained deep within. At least she warned someone, so she felt better about it. She arrived back to her room, earlier this time, and was almost disappointed to not find the girl lazing around in her room. She must have thought she warned the heroes, rightfully so. She would be back. Uraraka searched around the room for some paper, and wrote a little note, directed to the villain. Just thinking about her gave her heart flutters, and she giggled softly.

"Hello! Ochaco Uraraka here! I didn't tell about our little meeting, but it would be safer if you contacted this number! ******** xoxo!"

She facepalmed at her own note, but put it on her window, facing outside, hopefully, no one would read it. She would have a hard time explaining that. After this was done, she grabbed her textbooks and notebooks, and began studying and doing her homework. Every so often, she let out a sigh or groan, as she was struggling with it. She was far from the top of the class; as she was thirteenth. She had to do better, if she wanted to offer a comfortable life to her parents. After an hour, she peeked at her window, hoping to see the note gone. But it wasn't. Ugh. Why was she hoping for a villain's visit? She knew- but it would just put her in danger. Life was so unfair sometimes.

Finally, her concentration ran out, so she decided to get dressed for bed, before realization hit her. Toga had been wearing her clothes the day before. So that's where they went. Was she planning on giving them back? Clothes were expensive. She wouldn't mind giving them to her, if only she had just a little more... She felt bad asking for her friends' money, but maybe Iida or Todoroki had some money to spare...? No, she wouldn't. She would have what she deserved, eventually. She laid down on her bed, closing her eyes. But it took a long time for her to drift off to sleep, as familiar messy blonde hair kept coming back, occupying her thoughts.

Days passed really slowly, as a routine installed itself. Ochaco went to class, less and less distracted, as she worked hard to surpass herself. She wanted to do better than thirteenth; she wanted to be a top pro hero, popular enough to ensure her parents' a comfortable life for the rest of their years. But the exercises she was looking most forward to were the combat ones. Then, she could release all her pent up frustration, disappointment, anger at herself. She surprised more than one, especially in the non-quirk trainings. But she wanted to do more, better. That's how Uraraka and Midoriya met up after lunch to spar a bit, an opportunity for both of them to improve their quirks. Uraraka would go take a shower, inspect her room, check if the note was still here, and rinse and repeat. It was almost as if she could forget Toga's existence, but when time came for slumber, despite being distracted all day, yellow-eyes haunted her mind and dreams. Less and less of the attack, and much friendlier dreams.

Until one day, she woke up to a message from an unknown number. A message that squeezed her heart, reviving memories.

Unknown number:  hey cutie!! i wanted to visit you, but i found your note instead!! meet me this afternoon at the park? i missed you ♥

Uraraka couldn't help but smile at the obvious excitement in the messages. It was Saturday, she had spent a long week studying and training, she could use a break, right? And even if she wouldn't admit it, she missed Toga. And so, she replied.

Ochaco:  see you at 14:00.

****

Uraraka walked towards the park, dressed up casually. Her usual shirt for these types of occasions was ruined; she didn't have the necessary to tie up the cut and clean the blood. She had to settle for something else. The student arrived at their meetup point and looked around for the blonde, until she spotted her. She had kept her messy buns up, and Uraraka giggled. She looked pretty, in the sunlight. Their eyes met, and Toga ran up to her to hug her tightly, as Uraraka patted her shoulder. It didn't feel as weird as she thought it would; just two friends hanging out. Just... one being a hero, and the other a villain. At least it wasn't in UA.

"You actually came! I'm so excited!" She squealed, and Uraraka blushed, her heart beating faster. Her joyful look, not as crazy looking as the other night... She just looked like a normal person. Villains are people too, Ochaco. She corrected herself.

"Why wouldn't I?" She said, flustered, as she pushed the blonde away from her, the hug lasting a bit too long for her taste. She always kept to her word, no matter how dangerous it was...

"You know why! I'm surprised you even agreed, Chaco-chan!" Uraraka looked away, staying silent. Every ounce of common sense told her to report the incident, to not meet up with her. But she was just so adorable, and so... innocent? Probably not the right word.

"Don't make me regret it, Toga." She mumbled, a shy smile on her lips. She was trying her best to hide she was happy to see her, but was failing miserably so far. The blonde chuckled, taking her hand in hers. Uraraka jolted, blush darkening on her cheeks.

"Call me Himiko, cutie!" Toga giggled, and it sent butterflies flying around in Uraraka's stomach. Damn, she was in deep, wasn't she? She hadn't even the heart to correct her. Himiko. It sounded so nice...

Hand in hand, they headed inside the park, Uraraka being very flustered. Toga was just way too cute, it was unfair. "Why did you want to see me?" She asked. The question had been hanging for way too long. Toga looked at her, puzzled.

"Because I missed you, silly!" She said cheerfully, but Uraraka was still confused. Her hand rubbed her other arm, looking away. "I mean, why me? Is it just for my blood...?" She was afraid it was only for that reason. The brunette was getting way too attached, and it would break her heart if the villain only wanted something out of her. But of course she did. She was a villain, after all- "Of course not! I wanted to see you because I love you! Your blood smells tasty, but that's not the only thing about you!" "Because I love you!"

Uraraka broke hand contact, as she stepped back, to process what she just heard. Toga misinterpreted it, as her expression immediately darkened. She seemed... guilty? Her gaze had saddened, and Uraraka couldn't help but take her hand in hers once again. "Sorry, you just took me by surprise! I didn't think anyone could like me... y'know?" She sighed. She didn't mean to make Toga sad. She enjoyed her company, really. "Actually, I don't... You're perfect. Why wouldn't anyone want you?" Toga replied, her gaze distant, as if she was reflecting on her own words.

"What do you mean? I'm just... me. Nothing special." Uraraka shrugged, and it was Toga's turn to break their hand holding, but this time for her to position herself in front of the brunette, a stern look on her face. She cupped Uraraka's cheek, serious. "Don't say that again. You're amazing, Ochaco. You're cute, talented, beautiful, elegant, kind, generous... It would take me all day to list all your qualities. Your quirk is awesome, too. You're... everything I want to be." Toga whispered the last part to herself, not loud enough for the student to hear. She was red from head to toe, her mouth wobbly. She just felt overwhelmed with emotion, all the compliments, and the contact, it was all too much. She shook her head and her hands in a panicked way, trying to contradict everything just said. "I'm not all that you know! I'm just... me! Not special at all!" Her voice was fast, barely audible.

Toga hummed quietly, and she continued to walk as Uraraka just stood there. Then, she ran to catch up, as she saw they were heading for the ice cream camion. The brunette realized she didn't have any cash on her, and so she took Toga's hand to stop her, much more to reinitiate contact, as her voice would have been enough. "Himiko! I don't have any money on me, I can't-" Toga cut her off with a finger to her mouth, chuckling. "I'm paying, silly! I invited you to the date, after all." A... date?! If Uraraka wasn't a wreck before, she definitely was now.

"... Strawberry, please." She didn't have the heart to complain, as Toga ordered. One big ice-cream. Huh? "We can share!" She cheerfully said, handing her a spoon. The brunette nodded, and they sat down on a bench, Toga holding the cup. Uraraka was trying to enjoy quietly, already an emotional mess. Until Toga decided it was a good idea to feed her herself, and was holding the spoonful of ice cream just in front of her nose. As the UA student was beginning to ask a question, Toga put it in her mouth.

Uraraka swallowed, before coughing, taken by surprise. "Himiko!" She uttered in a strangled voice, trying to reprimand her. But Toga was just giggling. "Wait, you have some on the corner-" The blonde got closer, way too close, her eyes on her lips. And Uraraka was fully prepared for- before a finger met the corner of her mouth, scooping out the ice-cream. "There!" She announced, as if proud of herself.

The gravity hero shrank on herself, embarrassed. What was she expecting? Why was she even acting as silly as she was? She was a hero in training, and the girl in front of her was a known villain! What was she doing?! But still, Toga had made no threatening movement, and though she probably carried around a few knives, she didn't seem to want any harm. She didn't mention wanting anything from her, either. She was just acting friendly, as if she genuinely wanted to spend time with her...?

Toga noticed her change in attitude, and sighed, closing her eyes, letting herself be vulnerable, even for a fraction of second. "You know, you're everything I want to be. Adored by everyone, perfect quirk, with a loving family... I envy you." Uraraka stared at her, stunned. She isn't loved by anyone...? Not even her parents? Uraraka cupped her cheeks, and their eyes met once again. "Listen, Himiko. I don't know what happened, but I'll be there. You won't have to be alone anymore." She stated, in a promising tone. Toga softened, as their eyes were lost in each others'. Yellow ones changed focus, dropping on her lips. Then, in a swift motion, their lips brushed against the others'. So quick that Uraraka thought she dreamed it.

"Thank you, Ochaco. It means a lot." Toga stood up, offering her hand. Uraraka took it, raising herself by her side. "Until next time." Toga chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek, before heading off. Uraraka brought her hand to her cheek, smiling softly. "Until next time." She replied, more to herself. The student felt giddy on the inside. She felt as if she knew the villain more, despite them not having talked much about themselves. Maybe it was a good idea, after all.

*****

It was a terrible idea. Uraraka was pacing in her room, anxiety clawing her chest. What was she thinking ? Toga would only want information out of her. She wasn't only a villain, she was from the League of Villains, and it was well known that class 1A was their target since the beginning of the year. She was so foolish, so naive. She wanted to believe someone would want her for her, not her stupid quirk. How could even dream of being a pro hero, if she was going on dates with Toga? She had fell for the blonde, fast and hard, and she hated it. Why couldn't she just love Midoriya? It would be so much easier.

Himiko:  hey Ochaco!! loved our date!! can't wait to see you again <3

The simple sight of the message sent butterflies flying down her stomach. She couldn't continue this. She was a hero student, it was wrong. She just had to distance herself from her, stop these stupid feelings, as simple as that.

Read 9:43PM

And so Uraraka continued her routine, trying even harder to distance herself. She was hard-working usually, but it came to an extent where even Mr.Aizawa noticed. He didn't mind, quite the opposite, but he knew something was wrong. That's how she was sitting in his office, playing with her hands nervously.

"Uraraka, you have been pretty distracted lately. And then you do a 180 and you are now the hardest working in the class. Not that I mind, but I know it isn't purely because you want to do better."

Touché. But what could she say, anyways? Everything she has been doing was behind his back, defying every most basic rule of being a hero. That's why she settled for the easiest option, the one that would offer her an answer, hopefully.

"Do you think villains have a chance of redeeming themselves?"

Mr.Aizawa took a moment to think. About his answer, and the reason of her question. And as a pro-hero, and the teacher of a class constantly attacked by villains, his answer was what she expected. Though not quite what she hoped.

"Villains are not good people. They choose to live while hurting others; and whatever reason caused this doesn't excuse it. As long as they cause harm, they can't be considered redeemable."

Uraraka hung her head. The answer stung, because it would shape her life. The phone buzzed in her pocket, and she ignored it, like she did for the past week. She made a mistake, a mistake she couldn't even admit to her homeroom teacher.

"Was this question the one that got you distracted, Uraraka?"

"Yes... As a hero, I want to be able to save everyone I can, even villains." She whispered. Though she was originally in it for the money, Midoriya's ambition infected her. She wanted to save people, to see them smile. She wanted to be a hero.

"I admire that mindset. Sadly, you can't save everyone. This is a hard truth that you have to learn sooner or later. Saving villains would mean leaving hundreds of others to their fate. Sometimes, we have to make a choice."

Uraraka nodded sadly. She got what her teacher meant. And she knew that, he too, would want to be able to save the villains. After all, they were people, right?

But she was a hero, and to save as many as she could, she had to make sacrifices.

Himiko : Ochaco? you haven't answered in over a week...
Himiko : have i done something wrong? did i overstep? you can tell me
Himiko : i didn't mean to make you upset
Himiko : it doesn't have to mean anything, i want to be your friend
Himiko : i'm really sorry, please tell me what i did wrong
Himiko : i'll do my best to fix it
Himiko : why are you leaving me on read?
Himiko : just tell me, please
Himiko : you promised you'd be there...

*

Toga was staring at her phone, guilt eating at her. She knew she had done something wrong. Why else would Uraraka ignore her, after their time together? After all, it couldn't be because she was a villain. She wouldn't have accepted to come, and would have reported her to the teachers way earlier. What could it be? Was it because of the kiss? Toga had just been caught in the moment, and she was certain Uraraka wanted it too. Maybe she didn't, and that was why she was on read. But this mistake could be fixed, right? It shouldn't cause any harm in their friendship. And here she was, sending dozens of messages, hoping for a reply. She seemed desperate, but she was. Toga was trying her best to not go directly to UA and visit Uraraka herself, but maybe that was the solution. If she never wanted to see her again after this, fine! But she deserved to know why. Especially after her words.

Uraraka promised to never leave her alone, and here she was, leaving her on read on the same day. Toga felt stupid. She fell into the trap, once again. Getting vulnerable, only to be stabbed in the back. But she thought that Uraraka would be different. That she wouldn't treat her like a monster, despite their first encounters. But maybe she did see her like that, and was only waiting to hurt her, like everyone else.

No. Uraraka was a kind person, she would never intentionally hurt someone. There had to be a reason. There had to be. And searching for it was driving her mad. If Uraraka just talked to her! Told her what she did wrong! There had to be something... Right?

She promised her. She promised she'd be there.

*

As Uraraka opened the door to her room, she was only half surprised to see a blonde standing there, waiting for her. She was surprisingly wearing the UA uniform- weren't they checking identities at the entrance? How did she get it? While her first instinct was to get in combat position, she knew it would only trigger Toga to fight her. And so, she stayed still, wary of the other. She knew why she was there; she had ignored her for the past weeks. After promising to always be there for her.

Toga's eyes narrowed, as she sat down on the bed. Silent, Uraraka joined her, playing with her hands, and not daring to look at the other. She felt guilty. She had repressed these feelings; knowing it was for the best, while Asui comforted her in her thoughts. It was dangerous to fall for a villain, no matter how innocent she was on their... date. The word still sent shivers down her spine.

"What do I mean to you?" Toga's voice was a whisper, laced in disappointment, sadness, and even anger. Uraraka's decision was lose-lose. She couldn't be with a villain, but if she rejected her, then she would be a target... right?